San Diego, CA — A major summer heat wave is sweeping across San Diego County, with temperatures set to peak on Thursday before gradually cooling down toward the weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Hottest Temperatures Expected Midweek
The heat will intensify daily through Tuesday, but the most extreme conditions are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.
“High temperatures on Thursday will range from the mid-70s to lower 80s near the coast, to 105°F in the Inland Empire, and up to **114–118°F in the lower deserts,” the NWS San Diego stated.
The mountains won’t offer much relief, with highs reaching the mid-80s at higher elevations and pushing 90–100°F in areas below 4,500 feet.
Overnight Relief Will Be Limited
Adding to the discomfort, overnight temperatures will also stay well above average, providing little relief from the daytime heat.
- Urban areas may remain in the 70s overnight
- Desert lows could still hover around the mid-80s, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses
Slight Cool-Down by Friday, Weekend Brings More Comfort
By Friday, temperatures are expected to drop slightly but will still stay above seasonal averages. The real cool-down will begin over the weekend, especially for coastal and valley regions, where low clouds and marine layer influence return during the night and morning hours as reported by Times of San Diego.
Safety Tips from Health Officials
With the extreme heat in place, residents are urged to take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
- Stay indoors or in shaded areas when possible
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Avoid strenuous activities, especially outdoors
- Check on vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and young children
- Never leave pets or people in parked vehicles
The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services also reminds residents to locate and use cool zones or public cooling centers if home air conditioning isn’t available.
How are you handling this week’s extreme heat in Southern California? Let us know your tips or challenges in the comments below at the BethelAdvocate.













